Understanding of Gang Subculture

Two main aspects of American culture cause the offspring of violence in poorer communities. The values in materialism and having a sense of belonging don't come easy for many of these unfortunate children and teens. Lack of leadership in households, so their leadership and credibility comes from the streets. With weak sense of belonging within families in poorer neighborhoods kids and teens resort to gangs to feel a sense of belonging. Elite "thugism" comes from killing someone, people don't want them to get credit through being arrested for murder. They would rather kill the murderer themselves to show they are the true leader. In order to decrease these mass amounts of violence they need good role models out visiting the streets to show they actually do care about the poor black men versus just making speeches on T.V. They need people to show they truely do care and respect these men and allow them to connect with them. I think one part of this gang subculture is the need to belong. Many of us upper middle class citizens take advantage of the sense of belonging we get from family, friends, and teachers. In addition, American society is revolved around materialism. For the people are born into less fortunate situations, it is difficult to live up to these values of spending when they have little money to do so. They see gang violence and selling drugs as their was to become rich like American society tells them too be.